IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2026
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Clerical Cadre
Conducted By
Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Eligibility
Graduate in any discipline from a recognized University
Age Limit
20-28 years (varies by category)
Exam Pattern
Prelims (Online), Mains (Online)
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducts this exam to recruit clerical staff for nationalized banks across India. It is a highly popular entry-level bank job. The selection is based on two online tests: Prelims and Mains. Unlike officer exams, there is no interview phase, meaning your Mains score directly decides your selection. The Prelims test evaluates your speed in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. The Mains exam adds General and Financial Awareness to the mix. To score well, you must practice mock tests daily to improve your speed. Most candidates spend four to six months of regular practice to clear the sectional cut-offs. Use our tracker below to tick off topics and monitor your daily bank prep milestones.
Detailed Topic-wise Syllabus (42 topics)
Preliminary Examination
Online | 100 marks | 60 minutes | 100 MCQs | Sectional Time: 20 min each
English Language 30 Marks
- Reading Comprehension - Short Passages
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection and Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles and Sentence Rearrangement
- Vocabulary - Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Meaning
Numerical Ability 35 Marks
- Number Series
- Simplification and Approximation
- Data Interpretation - Table and Bar Charts
- Percentage, Profit, Loss
- Ratio, Proportion and Partnership
- Average and Age Problems
- Time, Work and Pipes
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Mensuration - Area, Perimeter
Reasoning Ability 35 Marks
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Alphanumeric Series
- Order and Ranking
Mains Examination
Online | 200 marks | 160 minutes | 5 Sections | 0.25 negative marking
General/Financial Awareness 50 Marks
- Banking Awareness - Products, Services, Rates
- Financial Awareness - Budget, Insurance, Markets
- Current Affairs - Last 6 Months
- Static GK - Awards, Books, Sports
- Government Schemes and Initiatives
English Language (Advanced) 40 Marks
- Reading Comprehension - Advanced Passages
- Grammar - Error Detection, Sentence Correction
- Vocabulary - Word Usage, Fillers
- Cloze Test (Advanced Level)
Quantitative Aptitude (Advanced) 50 Marks
- Advanced Data Interpretation - Caselet, Mixed
- Data Sufficiency
- Advanced Arithmetic Problems
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 60 Marks
- Complex Puzzles - Floor, Box, Calendar
- Critical Reasoning
- Computer Basics - Hardware, Software
- Internet, Email, Networking Basics
- MS Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint Basics
- Computer Shortcuts and Abbreviations
Recommended Reference Books
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| Banking Awareness | Banking Awareness | Arihant Experts |
| Computer | Objective Computer Awareness | Arihant |
Related Exams
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